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Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced the appointment of former Indian batter Robin Uthappa as their new batting coach on Friday (October 30). It is a special return for Robin Uthappa, who was part of the Mumbai Indians team during the first IPL season in 2008.
After 18 years, Uthappa is back with the same franchise, but this time he will have a new responsibility. The former Indian batter’s appointment comes at a time when Mumbai Indians are making several changes to their coaching staff ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Amid this, Gautam Gambhir approached by 4 IPL franchises for 2028 season.
Robin Uthappa returns to Mumbai Indians as the batting coach ahead of IPL 2027
Robin Uthappa has been appointed as the new batting coach of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise after Kieron Pollard was promoted by the franchise recently ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction. The West Indies great was earlier serving as the MI’s batting coach.
Pollard was later promoted as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians, replacing Mahela Jayawardene, and now Uthappa will take charge as the new batting coach ahead of the next season.
Announcing Uthappa’s appointment on Friday (October 30), the MI posted on X (formerly Twitter): “From being part of our very first season to returning with a wealth of experience! Robbie brings a sharp understanding of the game, great communication, and the clarity to guide youngsters! 💪 Welcome back to the Paltan, Robin! आपला new Batting Coach. 💙”
From being part of our very first season to returning with a wealth of experience! Robbie brings a sharp understanding of the game, great communication, and the clarity to guide youngsters! 💪 Welcome back to the Paltan, Robin! आपला new Batting Coach. 💙 https://t.co/OrIsO6dqgi
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 30, 2026
Mumbai Indians announce massive coaching overhaul ahead of IPL 2027
Earlier, Mumbai Indians have parted ways with bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson. The MI have also brought back their former players into the coaching setup to make a strong comeback after runs of poor performances in the league.
Mitchell McClenaghan has joined the franchise as the bowling coach, while T. Dilip was named the new fielding coach. Dhawal Kulkarni also returned to the Mumbai Indians as the Development Bowling Coach ahead of the IPL 2027. Amid this, Virat Kohli’s name comes up in Supreme Court hearing on Diwali celebration.
The franchise said in an official media release, “Mumbai Indians today announced the appointment of Robin Uthappa as Batting Coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as Bowling Coach, T. Dilip as Fielding Coach, and Dhawal Kulkarni as Development Bowling Coach for the upcoming IPL 2027 season.
They will join Head Coach Kieron Pollard as part of a new-look coaching group that brings together a strong understanding of the Mumbai Indians' culture, extensive international experience, and a shared commitment to developing talent and delivering success.”
Robin Uthappa's IPL journey
Meanwhile, Robin Uthappa was part of the Mumbai Indians team in the first-ever IPL season in 2008. He had a good season with the bat, scoring 320 runs in 14 matches at an average of 35.55. Uthappa remained unbeaten in five innings and also took nine catches during the season.
However, the head of the 2009 season, the 2007 T20 World Cup winner, was traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first player trade in IPL history. Mumbai Indians received fast bowler Zaheer Khan in exchange for Uthappa, who has nearly 5000 runs in 197 IPL innings to his name.
Apart from MI, Uthappa represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Pune Warriors India, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. The MI job is his first major coaching assignment after being signed as the team director and batting coach for the Yas Lions in the Abu Dhabi T10 league.
